There is so much to do. Fun for everyone
The local beaches are amazing. The closest in Southbourne beach only 1.6 miles away. Slightly further is the award-winning Bournemouth beaches but these get very busy during the summer. There are many car parks all along the cliff top.
We have some contacts who rent out beach huts and we can help you book a beach hut if required. This is subject to availability.
lso very nearby is Hengistbury Head beach (only 2.5 miles drive away). Our top tip is to go early and park at the car park at BH6 4EN. The car park and beach tend to be quieter than most. You just walk over the bank to a lovely beach. We often go early and park there all day, as the car is so near we can easily keep a picnic etc in the car.
In the opposite direction are the beaches of Mudeford, Highcliffe and Barton on Sea. These tend to be quieter than the main tourist beaches.
At the end of the road only a short walk away in the River Stour. There are some lovely walks from here as well as an entrance point for paddleboarding etc.
Just at the end of the Road, by the river is a large field. There you will find a football goal. Alternatively on River Way is a lovely play park and a large field with football goals.
You can hire bikes and E-Scooters via the local council’s Beryl Bike scheme. You download the app from https://beryl.cc/bikeshare/riders and then locate a bike, unlock it and park it at your destination. There are 2 bays holding these Bikes within a few minutes walk and lots along the sea front should you wish to cycle to the beach.
Only a short distance is Bournemouth Boating Services where you can hire a small self-drive motorboat to go on an independent boat ride up the river or water taxis are available. http://bournemouthboating.co.uk/
The Bournemouth Aviation Museum has lots to see and do. Kids love it as you can sit in some planes and pretend to be a pilot (and Dads) http://www.aviation-museum.co.uk/
Furzy Gardens is a nice contained walking area with a café and Fairy walks set in the New Forest. https://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/furzey-gardens/
If you want a nice walk, slightly nearer, just around the corner on Stour Way is Grove Copse. There is some nice woodlands and more fairy doors. There are lots of lovely walks nearby. There is further information and maps available online https://www.christchurch.gov.uk/sport-leisure/walking/walking-routes-and-trails.aspx
Surfboard, windsurfing and kite surfing hire and lessons can also be arranged if required. https://www.shoresports.co.uk/
Moors Valley is about 10 minutes away. It is a lovely country park with some excellent facilities including 2 huge play parks, a play trail with loads of other play equipment/ castles etc, a tree top trail, ride on steam train, golf course, fishing lake, Gruffalo themed country walk and a café. For a further charge you can hire a Segway, try Go Ape (ropes course high in the trees) or try Battlefield Live (live woodland laser combat game). https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/
Splashdown is a great water park only down the road in Poole with some amazing water slides. Segway hire and lessons is available at Moors Valley. https://goape.co.uk/
The New Forest Water Park is great fun with a massive inflatable Aqua Park and Wakeboaring. Definitely lots of fun for adults and children. https://www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk/
The nearest golf course is very nearby and can be accessed just around the corner. Pay and play is available. Seasoned pro or first time swinger and more than welcome. https://playgolfbournemouth.com/ They also have a footgolf course which is lots of fun and a bit different.
Tennis courts are available to hire within a few minutes walk https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ChristchurchTennis
The local gyms offer pay and play membership where you can swim, play badminton, table tennis and loads of other fun activities. https://www.christchurch.gov.uk/sport-leisure/two-riversmeet-leisure-centre/gym-and-membership/gym-and-membership.aspx
There is a full skate park also there with a mini ramp, quarter to flat bank back and forth with driveway in between, ledges and rails.
Peppa Pig World is only 30 minutes away. A treat for young kids and (everyone else). Attached to Paltons Park with bigger rides for older kids. https://peppapigworld.co.uk/
Adventure Wonderland is another local theme park only 10 minutes away. It’s often quieter than other theme parks. We recommend going first thing as you tend to get lots of ride in with no queues at all. https://www.adventurewonderland.co.uk/
The Dinosaur-themed mini golf is just minutes away. A real treat and lots of fun. https://playgolfbournemouth.com/adventure-golf/
Paintball and Airsoft is available only about 6 minutes drive away. http://www.camouflage-airsoft.com/ if you want to have some fun shooting each other.
Go Karting is less than 10 minutes. Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm with a flood lit course, it’s a great experience for thrill seakers https://www.southcoastkarting.co.uk/
Shore based fishing is great in this area. Rod day tickets can be purchased via the local shops (Christchuch Angling Centre is 10 minites walk away) or further information and book online.https://www.davistackle.co.uk/fishing/fishing-in-and-around-christchurch
Deep sea fishing is available locally via a charter boat. No experience is necessary and full training and equipment is provided if required. These include https://www.predatorcharters.org/ or https://reeleasycharters.co.uk/
Cookery school. There are 2 cookery schools:
- Set in the Kitchen – Michelin Stared Restaurant, you can learn to excel in the kitchen. It’s a purpose-built space sets the stage for enjoying and learning about food and cooking. Learn from some celebrity chefs including James Martin. You can do day, or evening classes and focus on cooking food from your favourite region of the world. https://www.chewtonglen.com/the-kitchen/
- Flavours cookery school. Only a mile away from us, enjoy exploring your creativity in our friendly classes, which cater for the beginner to the more experienced cooks amongst you. They do group lessons or private lessons. enjoy exploring your creativity in our friendly classes, which cater for the beginner to the more experienced cooks amongst you. https://flavoursschoolofcookery.co.uk
Jet ski safari is great fun and not too far away in Poole. Here you can have go on a jet ski trip on the sea which is great fun. https://jetskisafaris.co.uk/
Another extreme water sport is flyboard / hoover boarding. This is like flying on a skate board on the water. Again available in Poole https://aquaticjetpacks.com/
Clay pigeon shooting is available if that’s your thing. Its about 50 minutes drive away https://www.purbeckshootingschool.com/
Quad Biking is available nearby. They boast the “best quad biking in the country” with 20 miles of tracks. https://www.gorcombe.co.uk/ They also have Rage Karts which is more like a dirt buggy.
Coastering is exhilarating and worth a try to see the amazing coast from new angles. Go into caves in the sea, jump from high rocks and scramble along the coast. Its all done safely of course http://www.dorsetcoasteering.co.uk/ or https://www.landandwave.co.uk/
Mulligans Crazy Golf The ultimate inside crazy golf – 2 epic courses to try both inside so an ideal wet weather actievity. A new level in crazy golf. Only a short drive away in Bournemouth Town centre. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. https://mrmulligan.com/bournemouth
Escape rooms – a great family fun activity for groups of 3 – 8 people where you work together to solve puzzles and escape. We have several and they are all great fun. Another fun wet weather activity https://www.marvomysteries.co.uk/
Splash Park is in Christchurch Quay, very nearby and free! Its great for younger kids with shallow paddling pools, water sprays, dancing waters and loads of space to have safe water fun. There is a great dry play park at the same location. Park at BH23 1HZ.
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